Houston Theft Crime Lawyer
Summary of Theft Crimes
Theft crimes can include a number of offences with a wide variety of consequences, but central to all is the taking of someone else's property without their consent. There are a number of specific statutes relating to particular types of thefts including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, theft of livestock, telecommunication or multichannel video services, hot checks, organized retail theft, and others. But, generally, the level of offense for theft is tied to the value of the property stolen.
- 0 - $49 - Class C Misdemeanor
- 50 - $499 - Class B Misdemeanor
- $500 - $1,499 - Class A Misdemeanor
- $1,500 - $19,999 - State Jail Felony
- $20,000 - $99,999 - Third Degree Felony
- $100,000 - $199,999 - Second Degree Felony
- $200,000 or larger amounts - First Degree Felony
Texas law allows the prosecution to add the amounts in different thefts together to get to a higher punishment level. This can be done if the acts were part of one scheme or course of conduct, even if the thefts were from different sources.
Certain types of property and criminal history may affect the level of offense and range of punishment. The status of the accused and the alleged victim may, also, affect the seriousness of the offense. For example the law treats public servants who steal or people who steal from the elderly more harshly.
If a theft involved a violent crime, different statutes are involved and the consequences potentially more serious. Examples of theft crimes include:
If you are facing charges for a theft crime, it is important that you contact a Houston criminal lawyer without delay. At the Law Office of Q. Tate Williams PC, you will be treated like a person and never like a number.
Assertive Defense in Your Time of Need
I avidly believe in your constitutional rights and my firm will take the time to devote the personal attention you need to help you through a difficult ordeal. My office is available to you to answer any questions as well as to keep you fully up to date about any developments in your case and how those developments might affect your legal options. A conviction for theft can follow you the rest of your life and prevent you from getting an apartment lease or having the career you want. My criminal defense firm understands what you are facing and cares about your hopes. I will aggressively pursue the best possible outcome for you so that you can move forward into a brighter future. Contact a Houston theft crime attorney from my skilled and proven firm to aggressively defend you against theft charges.